Relaxing Sunday

This morning the family and I headed to church for a new quarter in Sunday School (we were out last week) and a compelling sermon by Dr. Duncan at 1st Pres, JXN. Then, we headed to River Hills for a good lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed the quality time and am reminded of how much I love my family. This afternoon, Ginger is helping me get my information together for marketing my book that is set for release on October 13th. And the kids have chosen a movie for us to watch tonight!

Tweet?

Follow me on Twitter.com at Quentin_W. We'll explore the South, discuss literature, philosophy and kick back for an engaging set of ideas. See you there!

If By Whiskey

Have you ever heard of Soggy Sweat? If not, you should familiarize yourself. He was a Mississippi politician who was asked to deliver a speech on his stance on whiskey. In front of a large crowd at a banquet during the legislative session, he expounded on his position as to whether or not the State of Mississippi should repeal the prohibition laws that the federal government had repealed some 20 years prior.

In his speech, he eloquently defended and supported both sides of the issue - those for it and those against it! "If, when you say whiskey, you mean . . . ." he exclaimed. So, an If By Whiskey moment is that point in one's life when they clearly and perfectly see both sides of an issue and, instead of defending one side, they take them both! In the literary sense, it demonstrates irony and often includes elements of satire. Plus, it expounds on the metaphor.

There is more here than meets the eye. Think about it. I bet you can relate if you think about how many times this really has happened to you. Probably more than you want to admit!

Leadership and Mentoring

Through coaching soccer I have had the chance to meet young men in the making. At six and seven years old, I find myself often not taking the boys seriously nor am I generally concerned with their actions. But that is because I know them, too. And I know their parents. These boys have played soccer together for three years now.

Yesterday, we had an additional player join the team. He shoved and pushed and cried and screamed when he did not get the ball or was not having his way. He was a good athlete, but the team wasn't jiving. Suddenly, I felt like the Dallas Cowboys with T.O. and realized then that cohesive teamwork is much better than all-star athletes.

We held our typical practice. I had them out on the field running and working drills. When they broke a rule, I stopped practice and explained to the team how to handle that situation within the confines of the rules. My new child wasn't comfortable. At six years old, he told me in the middle of the first practice that he quit! I hope he comes back, but with a good attitude.

I also learned something yesterday. Young boys who are going to be our next generation of young men need mentors and loving discipline. I hope to have the chance to impact their lives not to be great soccer players but to be leaders in their community when they become adults.